St. Ann's Bay Baptist Church

Founded on October 1, 1827, the St. Ann’s Bay Baptist Church was established by missionary Thomas Bromley. It was initially established to serve a congregation made up of enslaved and newly freed Africans, but the church quickly became both a religious and educational institution, as many of its ministers were also schoolteachers.

The original building was destroyed during the Baptist War of 1831-32, as many Baptist churches would be targeted due to their support for the enslaved population. This left many ministers, including Rev. Samuel Nichols, to relocate, leaving the church without a pastor. Fortunately, the church was rebuilt in 1834 under Rev. James Coultart. In a symbolic act of liberation, newly freed Jamaicans gathered at the church and buried their shackles on August 1, 1838.

The church unfortunately experienced another devastating fire in 1893. The church was once again rebuilt in 1895. The church has continued to create projects to further serve the community, such as the addition of a daycare center, offices, a prayer room, and improved sanitation facilities.

The church is designed in the shape of a cross and includes elements of Georgian design such as tall, narrow windows, symmetrical doorways, and decorative brick and stonework at the front of the church. Though the renovations have been modernized, many of its historic features remain intact. The church continues to be of service and value to the community.